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Northern Ireland
Annual Review of Employment Law 2026

The year's NI employment law developments, explained in one day
Thursday, 05 November 2026
08:30 - 16:30 ( 8 hours )
Hybrid
A full day of practical sessions on NI employment law: the Good Jobs Bill, gender pay gap reporting, AI-generated complaints, tribunal preparation and more.

Choose your booking option:

In Person Early bird
£515.00 + VAT
Virtual Early bird
£415.00 + VAT
Looking for Charity or Small Business rates? View all pricing options
Annual Review of Employment Law 2026
Event details
About the event
A full-day conference covering the year's employment law developments in Northern Ireland, for HR professionals and employment law practitioners.
Full Day Conference Duration
5th November Thursday, 08:30 to 16:30
Hybrid Crowne Plaza, Belfast & Live Online
£515.00 + VAT Early bird ends 31st October 2026 at 4:00pm. Standard rate: £565.00 + VAT Charity and Small Business rate also available
Overview

The year in NI employment law, in one day

The Annual Review of Employment Law returns on Thursday 5 November 2026 at the Crowne Plaza, Belfast, with a live online option for those who cannot attend in person. Registration opens at 8:30am and the programme runs through to 4:30pm.

The day brings together speakers from the Labour Relations Agency, Manufacturing NI, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP, A&L Goodbody LLP and Pinsent Masons LLP, alongside barristers, solicitors, coaches and HR specialists.

Why this event matters now

Northern Ireland's employment law landscape is shifting on several fronts at once. The Good Jobs Bill proposes expanded trade union access rights. Gender pay gap reporting is coming to NI, and the EU Pay Transparency Directive is adding further pressure on pay structures. Statutory sick pay reform, the Fair Work Agency, Domestic Abuse Safe Leave and changes to data protection legislation are all in play, while the gap between GB and NI employment law continues to widen.

At the same time, day-to-day HR work is being reshaped by AI: from AI-generated employment complaints and tactical data subject access requests to the practical challenge of introducing AI tools into teams that may resist them. This conference addresses both the legislative pipeline and the operational realities HR teams are dealing with right now.

What you will learn

  • The year's legislative developments: holiday pay, the Good Jobs Bill, statutory sick pay reform, the Fair Work Agency, Domestic Abuse Safe Leave and the widening GB-NI gap
  • Gender pay gap reporting and pay transparency: what is coming, what to prepare and what early implementation looks like in practice
  • AI in the workplace: AI-generated complaints, tactical DSARs and the human side of introducing AI-related change
  • Case law and tribunal preparation: the top NI employment cases of 2026 and how to present a case effectively
  • Workplace conduct and people management: bullying and harassment decision-making, absence management and a multigenerational workforce
  • Leadership resilience: practical strategies for performing under pressure

What you get

Every delegate receives the following as part of their ticket:

  • A twin-tracked programme: main hall and parallel hall sessions, so delegates choose the topics most relevant to them
  • Full session recordings after the event, so no session is missed
  • A digital delegate pack with detailed notes and slides from every session
  • Networking with HR and legal professionals from across the jurisdiction (in person)
  • An exhibition of products and services for HR teams (in person)

Who this event is for

The day is designed for anyone responsible for employment law compliance, employee relations or people strategy in Northern Ireland.

  • HR professionals
  • Employment law practitioners

Secure your place

Thursday 5 November 2026, Crowne Plaza, Belfast, and live online. Early bird rates are available for a limited period. Choose your ticket below and select Book Now.
Programme

The full programme

Choose the sessions most relevant to your role throughout the day.
Time
Session
08:30 am - 09:20 am

Registration / Exhibition / Teas and Coffees
09:20 am - 09:35 am
Welcome Address
09:35 am - 10:30 am
Looking Back, Looking Ahead

A look at the employment law developments that shaped the last year, and the changes, insights and opportunities that lie ahead for employers in Northern Ireland.

  • Holiday Pay – The LRA's approach to existing claims
  • The Good Jobs Bill & Good Jobs Charter
  • Statutory Sick Pay reform
  • The Fair Work Agency and its impact on NI employers
  • Miscarriage Leave and Pay
  • Impact of changes to the Data Protection legislation
  • Domestic Abuse Safe Leave
  • The widening gap between GB and NI employment law
Avril Alexander
Avril Alexander Knowledge Manager, Labour Relations Agency
10:30 am - 11:05 am
The Good Jobs Bill & Union Access

Increased trade union access rights under the Good Jobs Bill could significantly change how and when unions engage with your workforce. Stephen Kelly, CEO of Manufacturing NI, looks at what's coming, and how you can respond.

  • What's changing, and why it matters: An overview of the proposed expansion of trade union access rights
  • Forging better relations: How increased access could play out in practice, from workforce engagement to recognition and collective disputes
  • Minimise the mayhem: Practical steps HR leaders can take now to manage risk, maintain effective employee relations and respond confidently to increased union presence
Stephen Kelly CEO, Manufacturing NI
11:05 am - 11:10 am

Fearghal At British Heart Foundation
11:10 am - 11:35 am

Break & Exhibition
11:35 am - 12:15 pm
Main Hall
Gender Pay Gap Reporting & Pay Transparency: Why Waiting Isn't a Strategy

Gender pay gap reporting is coming to Northern Ireland, and alongside it, the growing influence of the EU Pay Transparency Directive. The direction of travel is clear, even if the timetable is not. This session looks at what lies ahead and why forward-thinking HR teams are acting now.

  • What's coming (and why it matters now): An overview of gender pay gap reporting in NI and the wider impact of the Pay Transparency Directive. Including what we can predict with confidence despite uncertain timelines
  • Getting ahead: The steps HR should be taking now to prepare. From data readiness and pay frameworks to governance and internal messaging
  • Learning from experience: Practical insight into the realities of implementation. What works, common pitfalls and how early preparation strengthens compliance, reduces risk and supports your wider people strategy
David Lorimer
David Lorimer Partner, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP
Leeanne Armstrong 1 CROP
Leeanne Armstrong Managing Associate, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP
Parallel Hall
Making a Multigenerational Workforce Work

Today's workplace spans multiple generations, often framed as a source of difference. This session moves beyond labels to focus on what really drives performance, collaboration and knowledge sharing, and how HR can turn generational diversity into a practical advantage.

  • Cutting through the labels: Focusing on real behaviours, not generational stereotypes, to improve communication and performance
  • Making knowledge flow: Practical approaches to embedding mentoring, reverse mentoring and cross-level learning
  • Designing for inclusion: Building team practices that actively use diverse perspectives to strengthen contribution and outcomes
Philip Brady Vitamin P
Philip Brady Leadership & Executive Coach
12:15 pm - 12:20 pm

Allow 5 mins for change over
12:20 pm - 13:00 pm
Main Hall
AI-Generated Employment Complaints – to Resolve or Fight?

How Grievances Invented by Technology (GITs) are changing workplace disputes, and how employers should respond.

  • What's changed: how AI is shaping the tone, volume and complexity of complaints
  • What's at risk: the cost and challenge of handling AI-driven cases through standard processes
  • What works better: when to use mediation, arbitration or other alternatives to resolve issues earlier
Gareth walls 2022
Gareth Walls Partner & Head of Employment and Incentives Group, A&L Goodbody
Scott2024
Scott Alexander Mediator and more, Scott Alexander Mediation Plus
Parallel Hall
Weaponised DSARs: Managing Tactical Data Requests

How data subject access requests are increasingly used as a tactical tool in workplace disputes, and what HR teams need to do to stay in control.

  • How DSARs are being deployed: in grievances, disciplinaries and litigation to gain leverage, test narratives and apply pressure
  • The operational and legal challenges this creates for HR: from managing volume and scope to protecting privilege and maintaining timelines
  • Practical strategies for responding effectively: including scoping requests, coordinating internal stakeholders and delivering defensible, proportionate disclosures
Laura gillespie 2023
Laura Gillespie Partner, Pinsent Masons
13:00 pm - 14:00 pm

Lunch & Exhibition
14:00 pm - 14:45 pm
Main Hall
Top NI Employment Cases of 2026

Expect clear explanations, practical implications and the key lessons every employer should take into the year ahead.
Jason elliott new
Jason Elliott BL Barrister and Deputy Head of School of Law, Ulster University
Parallel Hall
Grit Under Pressure

Following the remarkable impact of her leadership programme in Legal Island, we knew this was a conversation that needed to reach a wider audience. Join one of the industry's most respected leadership coaches as she reveals strategies to help top leaders remain resilient, decisive and at their best when the pressure is on and every decision counts.

  • Build leadership talent that lasts: Learn how to develop leaders who can thrive in today's high-pressure business environment and lead with confidence when it matters most
  • Hear from one of the industry's most respected leadership coaches: Gain exclusive insights and practical techniques from a coach trusted to support senior leaders through their toughest challenges
  • Turn pressure into performance: Discover strategies that help leaders remain resilient, make better decisions and deliver results, even when the stakes are high
Paula Milligan Dynamic Partners
Paula Milligan Senior Partner, Dynamic Partners
14:45 pm - 14:50 pm

Allow 5 mins for change over
14:50 pm - 15:35 pm
Main Hall
Bullying & Harassment: You Make the Call

Step into the decisionmaker's role in this interactive, case-led session.
Seamus mcgranaghan 2021
Seamus McGranaghan Director – Commercial, Education, Employment & Licensing, O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors
Parallel Hall
AI is Easy. Change is Hard

What if you didn't have to "drive" AI adoption? This session explores why resistance to AI is often misunderstood and drawing on evidence-based change principles, shares a more human-centred approach to build trust, confidence and change readiness across the organisation.

  • Rethinking resistance: Learn how to recognise resistance as information rather than an obstruction to adoption
  • Understanding the human side of change: Why people respond to change biologically, emotionally and socially, and what this means when introducing AI into the workplace
  • Building trust and readiness for adoption: How two-way communication, context and critical thinking can support more informed engagement with AI-related change
Deirdre Morrison
Deirdre Morrison Co-founder of Dynacorum and Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Institute of Applied and Organisational Neuroscience
15:35 pm - 15:45 pm

Allow 10 mins for change over – Teas and coffee available
15:45 pm - 16:30 pm
Main Hall
Why Good Tribunal Cases Fail

How to prepare for an employment tribunal and present your case with clarity and confidence.

  • What tribunal judges look for: prepare documents, witnesses and timelines that land well
  • How to present your case under pressure: from giving evidence to handling cross-examination
  • Mistakes that weaken cases: straightforward steps on things to avoid
Doherty sean g
Sean Doherty Barrister
Parallel Hall
When Absence Gets Complicated

Most absence cases don't start as high-risk. They start with good intentions… and then slowly unravel when different managers start handling the same case in completely different ways. We'll discuss the most common mistakes in absence management and what HR can do differently.

  • Spot risk early: recognise when cases are becoming complex and act before they escalate
  • Drive consistency: equip managers to handle absence and mental health issues in a clear, aligned way
  • Act with confidence: balance support and process to deliver fair, defensible outcomes
Gillian McGann Business Coach, Leadership Expert and Workplace Wellbeing Advocate
Testimonials

What past delegates say

Feedback from previous Legal Island events.
"It was extremely well organised and the presentations were pitched perfectly. I found it a very useful overview of the developments in employment law over the last 12 months, with informed insight into what to expect in the next 12."
Suzanne McKeown Legal Officer, Equality Commission for NI
"An established, well-run and informative event, with plenty of event staff available. Sessions ran on and kept to time, with an excellent range of topics and speakers. I really liked that the digital materials and speakers’ slides/notes were immediately available."
Adele Davidson Diversity Inclusion & Staff Wellbeing Manager, Queen's University Belfast
"Another excellent Annual Review of Employment Law. Wouldn’t miss it, look forward to it every year! I recommend Legal Island to all of my HR colleagues."
Jacqui Dornan Group HR Manager, Hinch Distillery
"This event is a great "one-stop shop" for the "HR family" to get together and access experts who have knowledge, experience and vision that they present in a way that is meaningful and beneficial."
Ashley Stewart Director, Liberty HR
"Very well run event, and very interesting topics. I feel like I learned a lot."
Jennifer Connolly Solicitor, SDM Solicitors
"I enjoyed the in-person element, the chance to come together with other HR professionals, and I enjoy listening to the expertise of the speakers."
Rosalyn Jones HR Manager, Victims and Survivors Service
Presenters
Explore the presenters on the day
Avril Alexander Knowledge Manager, Labour Relations Agency
Avril Alexander Knowledge Manager, Labour Relations Agency
Avril Alexander

Avril Alexander has worked for the Labour Relations Agency for over 38 years.  Avril has held several operational roles in the Agency, including the Workplace Information Service, working as a Conciliation Officer dealing with individual employment disputes and as an Employment Relations Manager where she was a team lead for the conciliation services.  Avril has recently moved into the role of Knowledge Manager.  She is a member of the CIPD and is a qualified and experienced mediator and collective conciliator dealing with trade disputes.
Stephen Kelly CEO, Manufacturing NI
Stephen Kelly CEO, Manufacturing NI
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David Lorimer Partner, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP
David Lorimer Partner, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP
David Lorimer

David co-leads Lewis Silkin’s Pay Transparency Directive practice, as part of which he supports clients to understand and take tangible steps to prepare for the PTD’s obligations - from helping to work through the complexities of 'categorisation', through modelling (and testing reasons for) gaps, to supporting on preparing for transparency measures. Much of his work involves helping clients to navigate regulatory or reputational challenges, including international matters related to data protection, pay equity, TUPE, DE&I and more, supporting clients across a wide range of industry sectors.
Leeanne Armstrong Managing Associate, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP
Leeanne Armstrong Managing Associate, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP
Leeanne Armstrong 1 CROP

Leeanne has extensive experience advising a range of regional, national, and international employer clients on various contentious and non-contentious employment law issues. She is dual qualified and practises in both Northern Ireland and England & Wales.

She assists HR, management, and in-house legal teams with a range of day-to-day employee relations issues, such as poor performance, ill health, disciplinary matters, and grievances. She also provides advice and guidance to clients on redundancy exercises, contract and policy reviews, senior employee exits, and the transfer of employees under TUPE.

 
Philip Brady Leadership & Executive Coach
Philip Brady Leadership & Executive Coach
Philip Brady Vitamin P
LinkedIn

Partnering with leaders and high-potential future leaders in coaching conversations, Philip focuses on helping to unpack challenges, rewrite stories and build confidence to grow and evolve personally and professionally. Where needed, we leverage psychometrics to facilitate self-awareness (Hogan, VIA etc.) and build accountability in making progress. 

Website: https://philipbradycoaching.com/

 
Gareth Walls Partner & Head of Employment and Incentives Group, A&L Goodbody
Gareth Walls Partner & Head of Employment and Incentives Group, A&L Goodbody
Gareth walls 2022

Gareth Walls is a Partner and Head of the A&L Goodbody's Employment group in Belfast. Gareth represents a number of local, national and international brands in business support, strategic workforce planning and high-profile tribunal matters. He also has significant experience advising stakeholders on complex redundancy, re-structuring and TUPE issues. Gareth is an accomplished commercial litigator with particular emphasis on procurement challenges and injunctive relief in the Employment context, as well as being a sought-after speaker on Employment issues in Northern Ireland.
Scott Alexander Mediator and more, Scott Alexander Mediation Plus
Scott Alexander Mediator and more, Scott Alexander Mediation Plus
Scott2024
LinkedIn

With a career in employment relations and employment law dating back to 1986, Scott has accumulated a wealth of experience in workplace dispute resolution and prevention. In recent years, he has chosen to focus on what he regards as the most effective form of alternative dispute resolution - mediation. Believing strongly in its potential to rebuild broken relationships, Scott views mediation at its best as a transformational, rather than a merely transactional, process.


Scott also offers complementary services that draw on the same interpersonal skill set, including mentoring, coaching, training and facilitation. His overarching goal is to contribute to making the world of work a more supportive and empowering environment for all - boosting confidence, encouraging positive feedback, and helping individuals and organisations thrive.
 
Laura Gillespie Partner, Pinsent Masons
Jason Elliott BL Barrister and Deputy Head of School of Law, Ulster University
Jason Elliott BL Barrister and Deputy Head of School of Law, Ulster University
Jason elliott new
LinkedIn

Jason Elliott was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 2013 and is the Associate Head of School of Law at Ulster University.  As a practising barrister, he has developed a largely civil practice representing individuals, companies and public bodies in litigation. This covers a wide range of areas including personal injuries, wills and employment law. In terms of employment law, he has represented both applicants and respondents in the Industrial Tribunal.   At Ulster University, Jason lectures extensively on the civil areas of practise such as Equity and Trusts and delivers employment law lectures for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Paula Milligan Senior Partner, Dynamic Partners
Paula Milligan Senior Partner, Dynamic Partners
Paula Milligan Dynamic Partners

Paula is a Leadership expert, Coach and Facilitator. The complex and ever-changing dynamics in the world of work requires a dynamic response. Paula is the natural “Trust” builder within the Dynamic Partners team and is known for soothing tensions between the tribes. Paula creates strategies for solving fundamental organisational problems by finding solutions through a collective understanding of individuals’ strengths and allowing for the right conversations to be had.
Seamus McGranaghan Director – Commercial, Education, Employment & Licensing, O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors
Seamus McGranaghan Director – Commercial, Education, Employment & Licensing, O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors
Seamus mcgranaghan 2021
LinkedIn

Seamus McGranaghan qualified as a Solicitor in O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors in 2003 and is an experienced Commercial Lawyer dealing with employment, commercial and education cases.

He has experience in the Industrial Tribunal representing both Claimants and Respondents and has provided seminars in relation to particular areas of employment law. Seamus is the only member of the Education and Law Association in Northern Ireland. He specialises in advising schools and colleges on policy matters, employment issues and student welfare. He is also responsible for the Education Law Quarterly Review.

In addition to having contributed at Legal Island’s Education Updates since 2010, Seamus in association with Legal Island provides a live “Employment Law @ 11” webinar on the first Friday of each month, dealing with all aspects of Employment law affecting Northern Irish employers. 
Deirdre Morrison Co-founder of Dynacorum and Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Institute of Applied and Organisational Neuroscience
Deirdre Morrison Co-founder of Dynacorum and Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Institute of Applied and Organisational Neuroscience
Deirdre Morrison

Deirdre Morrison specialises in applied and organisational neuroscience. Clients using her HARI Insights® model of Human-AI Relational Intelligence include Fortune 100s and she is a sought after workshop facilitator and speaker. 

In addition to her commercial work, Deirdre is Chief Strategy and Innovation officer for the Institute of Applied and Organisational Neuroscience, where she holds the M.npn Master Practitioner designation. 

Website: https://dynacorum.com
Sean Doherty Barrister
Sean Doherty Barrister
Doherty sean g

Sean Doherty was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 2007 after graduating with a LL.B (Hons) Law and Politics from Ulster University at Magee in 2005. Sean's main areas of practice include Commercial Law, Employment Law, Insolvency and Land Law.
Gillian McGann Business Coach, Leadership Expert and Workplace Wellbeing Advocate
Gillian McGann Business Coach, Leadership Expert and Workplace Wellbeing Advocate
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Pricing

Tickets and pricing

In-person and online tickets are available, with early bird and charity or small business rates.
In Person
Early bird offer
£515.00 + VAT Standard Rate: £565.00 + VAT Early bird ends 31st October 2026 at 4:00pm
Early bird offer ends in:
- days
- hours
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Virtual
Early bird offer
£415.00 + VAT Standard Rate: £465.00 + VAT Early bird ends 31st October 2026 at 4:00pm
Early bird offer ends in:
- days
- hours
- minutes
- seconds
More
More Charity & Small Business pricing
In Person Standard Rate: £465.00 + VAT Early Bird: £415.00 + VAT (Ends 31st October 2026 at 4:00pm)
More Charity & Small Business pricing
Online Standard Rate: £365.00 + VAT Early Bird: £315.00 + VAT (Ends 31st October 2026 at 4:00pm)